FORT LEE, Virginia — Service members and their families in Puerto Rico don’t need a primer on using their commissary benefit to purchase emergency supplies. After being hit by two hurricanes, Irma and Maria, in the space of two weeks last September, they can write the book on disaster preparation.

“From Sept. 1-5 [2017], it was a frenzy with many of our customers trying to purchase items for [hurricane] preparation,” said Bill Roger, store director of the Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, Commissary, recalling how his store aisles exploded with long lines of patrons stocking up on water, canned goods, batteries and other key emergency items.

In the aftermath of 2017’s historic hurricane season, the Defense Commissary Agency reminds its patrons to their commissary to load up on the supplies they need to be ready for the next crisis, said Tracie Russ, agency sales director.

“Last year, major hurricanes like Harvey, Irma and Maria caused widespread damage by flooding roads, cutting power and shutting down stores,” Russ said. “As bad and unpredictable as disasters are, it’s good to know our industry partners have always helped us offer tremendous savings on many of the items our patrons need to be prepared for any emergency.”

FEMA says you should know what to do before a hurricane comes. (File graphic)

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on
their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones.

A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.